Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our borrowers have to say about working with our Gulf Coast Small Business Lending team:
Above and beyond
“I was working with another lender and at the last minute they stopped lending due to the pandemic. The team at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) really went above and beyond to make sure that my deal was successfully completed. Thankfully GCSBL was still lending and my experience working with their entire team was pretty awesome. I was given realistic expectations about the process and the timing and, unlike that other lender, GCSBL delivered what they promised.”
Anthony G.
Gulf Coast Small Business Lending came through for me
“. . . 3 different banks suggested I reach out to Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL). They told me that GCSBL has a reputation for finding a way to get complicated deals done. When no other bank was willing to touch my deal, GCSBL didn’t shy away. They didn’t give up on me. It was a very positive experience. The team at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending came through for me when others would not. I really appreciate all the effort and guidance – I wouldn’t be here today without the team at GCSBL.”
Dave M.
Communication was exceptional
“My husband and I are first time small business owners – this was our first experience applying for and receiving an SBA loan. We started the process of buying a recreational and competitive gymnastics training center before COVID hit. Obviously, COVID changed everything, especially in our industry. The gym was financially healthy before COVID, but it had to shut down for 3-4 months. No other bank would consider a loan – they all told us to wait months or even a year to allow the financials to stabilize. But the team at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) took the time to really look at the merits of our request. They saw beyond the here and now – they considered the pre-COVID numbers, vetted us as the buyers, and put together a deal that realistically looked to the future, post-COVID. Throughout this process GCSBL was wonderful. The team kept us continually informed, checked in to see how we were holding up, and encouraged us when we needed it most. The communication was nothing short of exceptional. As first timers, we really appreciated this.”
Laura C.
Professional, patient, and responsive
“The team at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) was very professional, patient, answered all my questions, educated me about the process, made appropriate recommendations, and generally made me feel comfortable. Throughout the loan process they remained involved and continued to check in striking just the right balance – not too much, not too little. With that being said, I want to be clear that they were always very responsive. From start to finish my experience was truly pleasant – the process with GCSBL was so much easier than what I previously endured with other lenders. At no time was it a hassle or a burden and the team went out of their way to meet my compressed timeline. They basically said, ‘this will be a challenge but we’re going to work together to get it done’ and they did it!”
Joel J.
Gulf Coast Small Business Lending came through for me
“When I was referred to Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL), I was pretty frustrated because I had been trying to work with a couple of other lenders to no avail. They would initially say they could do my deal and then after wasting my time would come back and say that because my business is a start-up, they wouldn’t be able to do the deal. GCSBL came through for me when no other lender would. The team made it happen – I can’t stress enough that Gulf Coast Small Business Lending was literally the only lender willing to step up. The team asked a lot of questions but understood the strengths in my deal.”
Ashley D.
Really fast and very responsive
“I was introduced to Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) by a franchisee in another state who had done his loan through them. He had a good experience and although I had already started with another lender, I decided to switch over to GCSBL. The team worked really fast and was very responsive. I truly appreciated their help throughout the entire process. Honestly, we did run into a few hiccups, but everyone was unfailingly nice. The underwriter was quick, and the closing manager stepped in near the end to make sure I totally understood everything. My transaction had some complexities to it, but Gulf Coast Small Business Lending got it done.”
Furqan H.
Their personal touch made me a fan
“I was referred to Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) by another banker because I was told that GCSBL would consider SBA loans for non-traditional industries like mine. From the start, the team was responsive and communicative and walked me through everything I needed to know. This was my first experience with an SBA loan, and they were there for me from start to finish, always jumping back in whenever I had a question or needed assistance – making sure I was completely comfortable every step of the way. In fact, my deal would not have happened without the GCSBL team – we had a major issue with the seller, and they just picked up the phone and talked with the seller and broker and worked it out when no one else had been able to make it happen. The whole GCSBL team worked really closely with one another and, as a result, made my life so much easier. I truly loved their personal touch – I feel as if I made a group of friends on my way to securing an SBA loan and, without a doubt, I am a fan.”
April M.
The communication was exceptional
“The team at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL) was very helpful, very positive, and very patient with us – they explained that GCSBL routinely helps newer businesses like ours. We needed to get our documentation in order, and they helped tremendously with that – guiding us through the process. We know our business really well but fine tuning the details of our financial presentation had taken a back seat to growth and sales. We’re thankful for GCSBL’s underwriter’s dedication to digging through it all and asking all the right questions so that we could secure a loan approval. Overall, the process was fantastic. We could not have asked for a nicer group of people to work with. The communication from everyone was exceptional. From the start, everyone was very upfront about what was needed, and we really appreciate GCSBL’s willingness to work with us when other lenders would not.”
Travis J.
The relationship has far exceeded our expectations
“A number of years ago a banker suggested that we approach the Gulf Coast Small Business Lending CEO about the start-up financing we were seeking for our restaurant franchises. He flew out to California to meet us and tour several units. We left that initial meeting with his support and a level of comfort that he understood the ‘big picture’. Little did we know that, despite the leap of faith (after all the brand was fairly new and we had big growth plans), it was the start of a great relationship. Our initial locations did even better than projected and, as time went on, we kept in touch. Eventually the GCSBL franchise specialist became our point person at Gulf Coast, and we hit it off with him right from the start. He has regularly checked in with us – his personal involvement has been nothing short of terrific. He’s a truly nice guy who is interested in how things are going. What has been especially helpful to us is that we’ve always known where we stood with Gulf Coast which gave us the confidence to strategically plan our growth. From day one, they made certain that we understood the benchmarks we’d need to hit for Gulf Coast to provide additional financing. There is a level of trust that has been achieved over the years. Even though we fully understand that this is an arms-length relationship, they still feel like part of our team. To a person, everyone we’ve ever encountered at Gulf Coast has been unfailingly helpful and they have made us feel special – almost as if we are one of only a few customers (even though we realize that isn’t the case). It is safe to say that the relationship has far exceeded our expectations.”
Dan A. and Mike S.
Passion to assist
“I have participated in multiple (at least 12) acquisitions and sales of businesses over the last decade. During the course of these transactions, I can honestly say that I have never dealt with such a professional bank as Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (GCSBL). The team at GCSBL has an absolute passion to assist their borrowers in every conceivable way. The GCSBL team was in constant contact and I’m grateful for the empathetic approach in successfully assisting me through all the challenges. I never expected this because I have never experienced service on this level on any prior deal, anywhere in the world. The entire GCSBL organization is, hands down, the most professional and service-orientated out there.”
Lyle T.